Transmitter Considerations for 5G Wireless Powered Sensor Networks

A two directional scanning conformal array that can be used as transmitter for wirelessly powered sensors, is presented. The array consists of two perpendicular three-element linear arrays that form a cross. Prob-fed square patch antennas form the basic radiating element. The total gain of each array is 9 dBi. Each linear array is conformed around a cylindrical surface and can direct the main beam in three directions; the broadside and two oblique directions that form +/- 37 degrees angle with the broadside direction. In total, the main beam can be directed in 5 distinct directions. The direction can be selected from a microcontroller that provides the DC biasing voltage to the single pole double through (SPDT) switches which are used for the implementation of a phase shifter. The in-phase or 120 degrees phase difference signals are produced from the phase shifter that is cascaded with a 4-port power divider, which has one input and three output ports with output power ratios 1:2:1. At any time, only one of the two perpendicular linear arrays can radiate, since the output of the commonly used phase sifter can be directed either to one the other array. Despite the non-symmetric geometry of the phase shifter and the distinct different biasing states of the used SPDT switches, the array remains well matched regardless the selected main beam direction.

Automated summary

This paper presents a two directional scanning conformal array that can be used as a transmitter for wirelessly powered sensors. The array consists of two perpendicular three-element linear arrays with a total gain of 9 dBi. Each linear array can direct the main beam in five different directions. Despite the non-symmetric geometry of the phase shifter and the distinct different biasing states of the used SPDT switches, the array remains well matched regardless of the selected main beam direction.